IPL Auction: RCB’s Mo Bobat is keen to look for overseas pacers and homegrown spinners

Mo Bobat, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Director of Cricket, recently shared insights into the team’s strategic focus for the forthcoming IPL auctions during a discussion at RCB Innovation Lab’s Leaders Meet India.

RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat keen to look for overseas pacers and homegrown spinners during the IPL Auction

Bobat underscored the importance of astute decision-making in trades and auctions to enhance the team’s composition. He said, “We have a robust core of retained players and a formidable top order. Our release decisions were aimed at bolstering our middle order, and the addition of Cameron Green is a testament to this strategy. Mohammad Siraj is pivotal to our plans, so supplementing Siraj with additional bowling options, particularly overseas bowlers, is a major priority. We also have a solid group of local spinners who may take on more significant roles moving forward.”

As one of the primary architects of the RCB Innovation Lab, Bobat elaborated on the novel concept of the summit and its inception. He remarked, “When we ideated the RCB Innovation Lab, we envisioned RCB as pioneers both on and off the field. Leaders have a remarkable history of organizing such events globally, and this is their maiden venture in India. We’ve intentionally designed this event as a blend of high performance and business existing harmoniously, which is crucial as they are interconnected. We hope it acts as a catalyst for change, support, and decision-making across all sports in India.”

Bobat also emphasised the need to nurture the right performance environment and culture for players to excel. “I am dedicated to a long-term project here,” he said. “With a fantastic captain like Faf and experienced senior players like Virat, Maxi (Maxwell), and DK (Dinesh Karthik), we have a strong foundation. The next step is to create an environment and culture that allow players to showcase their talents and entertain the audience. If we remain committed to our processes, play aggressive cricket, and show bravery at crucial moments, it will resonate with our fans.”

Bobat further elaborated on the team’s approach to identifying suitable fast bowlers for the IPL 2024 auctions. He emphasised the importance of data and a comprehensive approach that considers skill, physicality, and psychology. “Cricket often focuses on control and lateral movement of fast bowlers. However, we should identify players with pace and balance. While you can train someone for accuracy and craft development, teaching pace or creating balance is more challenging as it involves their release height and physicality. Understanding this distinction between identifiable attributes and teachable skills is crucial,” he explained.

Lastly, Bobat expressed his admiration for India’s cricket talent pool and applauded the men’s cricket team’s exceptional performance in the recent 2023 Cricket World Cup.